Review: TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls

TaylorMade TP5 golf balls review

The TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x golf balls are played by the best in world, which is a clear indication that this golf ball is world class. But, with a new TP5 and TP5x being released how do these differ to the previous generation?

The First Look 

At first glance, you can immediately tell these are premium TaylorMade golf balls. However, in the Pix design balls, you’ll find some subtle differences. These are going to help more with your alignment on the greens, something we’ll explain in more detail later. With golf balls, of course, it is impossible to see the tech that lays inside. Instead, we’ll let the experts at TaylorMade explain what’s going on in the new TaylorMade golf balls…

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The TaylorMade TP5 is the softest five-layer ball that TaylorMade produce. (Credit: TaylorMade)

The Speed Wrapped Core in TaylorMade's flagship balls increases distance off the tee. (Credit: TaylorMade)

The TP5 and TP5x both feature five layers. (Credit: TaylorMade)

The TaylorMade TP5 Pix balls feature an upgraded alignment design. (Credit: TaylorMade)

The Tech 

These golf balls are aerodynamically tested with over 100,000 shots. Believe it or not, there was over 240 prototyped designs for these balls, before TaylorMade settled on these.

The new TP5 and TP5x balls are very impressive with the addition of an all-new Speed Wrapped Core. This will impact sound, feel and overall performance, which has helped create TaylorMade’s fastest TP5x and softest feeling TP5 ball to date. 

The TP5, TaylorMade’s softest five-layer tour ball, offers a notably softer feel with enhanced spin around the green. This ball fits golfers who prioritise touch and feel in their short game, providing responsive and precise control. It will also lower driver spin more than the prior generation and maintain the same level of spin control around the green. 

The TP5x is TaylorMade’s fastest five-layer tour ball. This design prioritises ball speed, making it the ideal choice for golfers seeking increased velocity off the clubface. The new TP5x also sees a reduction in driver and long iron spin, with a focus on distance with great spin and control around the greens.  

Both TP5 options do have lower spin with the driver, the longer irons and better spin with the wedges. The TP5 generates slightly more spin on wedge shots, with the TP5x producing less spin on drives and long iron shots in addition to a flatter trajectory.  

You also have a new Pix pattern. This used to be triangular in shape but is now a diamond pattern across the ball. Compared to previous generations, the new model features a longer centreline and additional colour contrast, for easier alignment and more precise feedback on the green. 

“Our learnings from countless player and tour tests show that golfers, unsurprisingly, favour a softer more muted sound with added distance. Historically, the challenge has been the inability to improve one without negatively impacting the other. With this understanding, we’ve evolved our golf ball design process by uniquely decoupling feel and speed through material advancement, a complete departure from the conventional. The material-level advancement positions our TP5/TP5x family as having the best feel in the industry with faster constructions.” – Michael Fox, Senior Director of Product Creation, Golf Balls
 

The bunkered Verdict 

I really like both options in the TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x. The TP5 ball is soft, it feels good around the green, so it’s ideal if you’re want to have more spin and control. It’s long off the tee and aerodynamically sound with impressive ball speed delivering great distance. 

The TP5x is TaylorMade’s fastest tour ball. It goes a seriously long way. After spending time testing it on Trackman the ball speed number is incredibly fast with low spin even on the fastest swings. The distance is great and dispersion is tight because of the lower spin and firmer feel. The green side control is really good and even though it’s slightly firmer than the TP5, the spin around the green is excellent.

The new Pix design which is diamond in shape features more yellow on the ball. Personally I think this is a great improvement and will really help players on the greens. The alignment and ClearPath Design really helps you with getting a pure roll.

Ultimately, the choice between the TP5 and TP5x all comes down to personal preference. Are you wanting a softer ball around the green for better touch and feel or are you wanting something longer and faster off the tee? If you want something for better touch, I would recommend the TP5, but if you want that increased distance, go for the TP5x. Either way, both golf balls are very good and a definite step up from the previous generation.

The Details

RRP: £44.99 (Standard); £47.99 (PIX) per dozen

Available: February 15

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